if you ask me

i'm not that good at mafia...

i'm done talking about what i think should be improved in terms
of church. yes, we lack consistency with prayer and bible studies.
people are leaving and "fun" events are overtaking friday nights
like a zombie infection. conversations are mostly superficial,
talking about video games and poop or not talking at all. cliques
are a must (sarcasm). ambiguities/ debatable topics in scripture
constantly being ignored. and now, questionable implications from
the pulpit. all these things and more- no church is perfect, john lee.
even the most solid teachers and pastors are human, test them with
scripture. disagreements over doctrine are bound to come up, test
them with scripture. people may be closer to certain people, show
no favoritism- love them all. break the surface level discussions,
lead by example and open up. beat the zombie infection- i mean
"fun" events- use them to build stronger God-centered relationships.
seek out those that have left- keep the family together, look for the
lost sheep and rejoice when he returns. have a small group leader
mentality and ask if people have been reading the bible. ask them
what they thought of certain passages and check to see if they
applied what they learned. do it out of love! pray for yourself and
others to believe in the power of prayer! continue to ask others
for their prayer requests! be eager to pray! oh, that i would know
the power of prayer! rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and be
thankful in all circumstances for this is the will of God for you
in Christ Jesus our Lord! thank You for giving me the freedom to
worship You. help me to mature in this truth and equip me for
every good work. all glory be to You. forever and ever, amen.